Gov. David Paterson includes budget cuts in funding bill

Associated PressGovernor David Paterson released his budget cuts today.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York Gov. David Paterson has released short-term funding legislation that cuts $775 million from state health care programs for the year, forcing legislators next week to either accept cuts or risk shutting down government altogether.

The budget for the fiscal year is two months late as lawmakers grapple with a deficit estimated at more than $9 billion. Legislative leaders say they've agreed to about $6 billion in proposed savings. Paterson says they need to cut $2.5 billion more.

The bill today differs from previous one-week funding extensions. Those contained only required payments for things like Medicaid, payroll and school aid and delayed most other spending. The new measure will start cutting program budgets rather than delays.---twitter.com/siadvance -- facebook.com/statenislandadvance